Dorian takes national championship

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For the better part of three days John Dorian was a forgotten man in the final four of the golf championship flight.

That was a fatal mistake.

Dorian, 39, of Prince Albert quietly used his putter and a bag full of patience to win the Canadian National Indian Golf Championship held at Jackfish Lodge, July 11.

Two strokes behind co-leaders Allan Assance of Vancouver and Guy Lonechild of White Bear Reserve heading into the last day of the 54-hole event, Dorian watched as both leaders self-destructed in the final 18 holes.

"The difference was that I made two long putts on holes four and five for birdies to tie Allan for the lead," said a happy Dorian.

With two holes remaining, Dorian's steady play had carved out a one-shot leader over Assance. A double-bogey six on the next hold by Assance handed Dorian another stroke.

"Allan birdied the last hole so I had to part it to win," says Dorian.

After playing his approach shot safe on the back of the green and playing his downhill putt close, he tapped in a two-foot shot for the victory.

Dorian's score of 228 (78,76,74) was one better than Assance and three better than Lonechild, who shot a disastrous eight on the day's ninth hole after cruising along one under par for the previous eight.

Dorian trailed Lonechild by four strokes until Lonechild's miscue pulled him even.

With nine holes remaining, Dorian still was two strokes behind Assance. However, two timely birdies by Dorian and some erratic play by Assance proved to be the difference.

"Guy and I were battling so hard we forgot about John, and the next thing you knew he was right there," says Assance. He (John) deserved to win because he played well and was consistent," admitted Assance.

"My birdie on the last hole put pressure on him but he made a two-foot slider for the win."

While he has played on more difficult courses, Assance says the Jackfish facility places a premium on putting because of the slope of its greens.

Dorian, who last won at the Saskatchewan District Chiefs championship last year, called the Jackfish Lake course one of the toughest in Saskatchewan.

"You never know here on this course what will happen. One mistake can hurt you. You have to be patient."

Dorian pocketed $1,000 for the victory, as well as a trophy.

Linda Greyeyes of Prince Albert shot a 182 total (91.92) to win the women's championship.

Sandy Lake reserve's Ray Ahenakew with a 236 total was the senior men's winner while also capturing first flight honours. Twelve-year-old Michael Night of nearby Saulteaux topped all junior men with a 158 total (74.84).

Flight two was won by Dick Kennedy with a 168 while Hickson Weenie topped flight three with a 184 total.